Tilicho Lake Trek - Nepal

Tilicho Lake Trek - Nepal

Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world with an elevation of 4,920m from sea level. Tilicho Lake Trek offers you a classic adventure journey to Tilicho Lake a serene turquoise lake situated in the high Himalayan region of Manang. Tilicho Lake is also widely well recognized as a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayan a popular religious book of the Hindus. The trek gives magnificent views of major peaks of Annapurna Himalayan range - Lamjung Himal 6,932m, Annapurna II 7,939m, Annapurna IV 7,525m, Annapurna III 7,555m, Gangapurna 7,454m and other snow-capped peaks. En-route of Tilicho Lake Trekking, we also explore the Tibetan villages with unique cultures and traditions which can be a lifetime experience. The crossing of the challenging Mesokanto La Pass 5,120m also known as Tilicho Pass is another feature highlighted in this Tilicho Lake Trekking. However, the diversity in the landscapes, temperature and the people that change every few days makes this adventure trek exceptional.

Tilicho Lake trek from Kathmandu to Chamje passing through towns, villages and farmland. We start our trek from Chamje, the trail leads to a slow climb most of the way following the raging Marsyangdi River upstream all the way to its source at Manang and beyond. We take a rest day at Manang for acclimatization and exploration of the surrounding areas. After Manang, we follow the North West route and heads towards Tilicho Lake Base Camp and Tilicho Lake. The glacial lake is a serene turquoise colour lake at 4,920 meters enclosed with high peaks of Tilicho and smaller snow-capped mountains. After exploring the Tilicho Lake heads for the crossing of the challenging high pass Mesokanto La at 5,120m then down to Chauri Kharka. From here our trek descends downhill towards Jomsom. Our amazing trekking experience at Tilicho Lake ends with the scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.


  • Destination: Annapurna
  • Activities: Trekking
  • Duration: 18 days
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Mode of Trip: Lodge Trekking
  • Maximum Altitude: 5,120 m
  • Transportation: Private vehicle & flight
  • Accommodation: Tea House / Camping Trek
  • Group Size: Minimum 2 person
  • Season: Spring and Autumn

OPTION 01: TILICHO LAKE WITH MESOKANTO LA PASS
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu (1345m) & transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1410m); 7-8 hrs drive

Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap (2164m); 6-7 hrs trek

Day 05: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2713m); 5-6 hrs trek

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3185m); 5-6 hrs trek

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3551m); 5-6 hrs trek

Day 08: Rest Day at Manang

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Khangsar (3850m); 4-5 hrs trek

Day 10: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m); 4-5 hrs trek

Day 11: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho High Camp – On the way explore Tilicho Lake (4920m); 5-6 hrs Trek

Day 12: Rest for safe acclimatization – free exploration

Day 13: Trek to Chauri Kharka via Mesokanto La Pass (5120m); 7-8 hrs trek

Day 14: Trek from Chauri Kharka (4320m) to Jomsom (2700m) 5-6 hrs trek

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara [25 min flight] – full day free exploration in Pokhara

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Day 17: Free day at Kathmandu

Day 18: International departure

OPTION 02: TILICHO LAKE WITH THORONG LA PASS
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu (1345m) & transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1410m); 7-8 hrs drive

Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap (2164m); 6-7 hrs trek

Day 05: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2713m); 5-6 hrs Trek

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3185m); 5-6 hrs Trek

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3551m) (5-6 hrs Trek

Day 08: Rest Day at Manang

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Khangsar (3850m); 4-5 hrs trek

Day 10: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4200m); 4-5 hrs trek

Day 11: Morning explore Tilicho Lake and trek to Siri Kharka 5-6 hrs trek

Day 12: Trek from Shri Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4600m); 5-6 hrs trek

Day 13: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m); 7-8 hrs trek
via Thorong La Pass[5416m/17764ft] & same day drive to Jomsom (2670m)

Day 14: Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 16: Free day at Leisure

Day 17: Final Departure

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu [1,345m/4,411ft] & transfer to Hotel.
Our airport arrival and departure representative will be at Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival schedule. You will be transferred to hotel and our staff will help you until check-in procedure ends at Hotel. Either you can have rest at Hotel or visit NGT's office. In the evening, join our welcome dinner program organized by Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition Team. Today, we also manage a formal program to meet and introduce with our guide, where you can have briefing from the guide about full extent of information of Tilicho Lake Trek.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
It is not possible to visit all world heritage sites in Kathmandu within a day. So you can choose at least 3-4 places for a day sightseeing.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje [1,410m/4,626ft] [7-8 Hrs Drive]
Today we drive along Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre. From Dumre we continue our drive following the narrow and paved road by the side of Marsyangdi River to reach Chamje. During our journey, we can enjoy the natural sceneries and observe the daily activities of the local people.

Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap [2,164m/7,097ft] [6-7 hrs trek]
We start our trek from Chamje following the trail through sub-tropical lands towards a small village Tal located near a large waterfall. We continue our trek along rhododendron, bamboo and pine forests passing through Dharapani, we head towards Bagarchhap.

Day 05: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame [2,713m/8,898ft] [5-6 hrs trek]
From Bagarchaap we make a steep climb through the rhododendron filled forest. The trail follows several landslides along the way, be careful when walking on such trails. Nevertheless, we will have great panoramic views of Annapurna II 7,939m, Annapurna IV 7525m and Lamjung Himal 6,983m during our trek that leads us to Chame.
Accommodation: Tea House Lodge
Meals: All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang [3,185m/10,446ft] [5-6 hrs trek]
We follow the trail by crossing the Marsyangdi river bridge and then we trek along the left side of the bank. Passing through Talekhu and Dhukur Pokhari we follow narrow and stone paved trail to reach Pisang.

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang [3,551m/11,647ft] [5-6 hrs trek]
Today, we have 2 different walking route splits from Pisang to Manang. The upper route follows high altitude level and lower route follows quite lower. On the way, we will visit a monastery. Upper route contains much panoramic scenery of Himalayas than lower route. Spectacular view of Annapurna, Pisang peak and many other snowcapped peaks adds extra pleasure for today’s walk.

Day 08: Rest Day at Manang
It is very important to take a day rest for acclimatization in the higher altitudes. Besides, Manang has a lot to offers for its visitors. Manang is a medieval, Tibetan-style village where there are many teahouses and campsites. The best view of Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna IV 7,525m, Annapurna III 7,555m, Gangapurna 7,454m, Tilicho Peak 7134m and other snow-capped peaks can be seen right in front of us.

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Khangsar [3,850m/12,628ft] [4-5 hrs trek]
We leave Manang following the trail that demands elevation all the way up to Khangsar. We cross through the Khangsar Khola bridge to reach Khangsar village following a rather easy slope.

Day 10: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp [4,200m/13,776ft] [4-5 hrs trek]
We follow the trail through various ice lakes and glaciers towards Tilicho Base Camp. During our walk today, we have more chances of seeing wild animals. We camp at Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 11: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to High Camp [4,920m/16,137ft] [5-6 hrs Trek]
Today we start early in the morning, a steep climb through the icy trail of the mountain leads towards Tilicho High Camp. We now are close to Tilicho Lake at the altitude of 4,920m, so there is maximum chance of altitude sickness.

Day 12: Rest day for safe acclimatization and exploration at Tilicho High Camp.
It is necessary to acclimatize and be prepared mentally and physically for the crossing of Mesokanto La pass at 5,121m the next day. Today we can explore around the Tilicho Lake and the moraines formed by the glaciers in its vicinity.

Day 13: Trek to Chauri Kharka via Mesokanto La Pass [5120m/16793ft] [7-8 Hrs Trek]
Today we start early in the morning for the successful crossing of Mesokanto La Pass. As the crossing of the pass is difficult we need to check our gears properly. The crossing of the pass requires around 4 hours of walk. We then enter into Mustang District after crossing the pass. Since there are no tea houses and lodges available in this area we tent for the overnight stay in Chauri Kharka.

Day 14: Trek from Chauri Kharka [4,320m/14,169ft] to Jomsom [2,700m/8,856ft] [5-6 Hrs Trek]
From Chauri Kharka we follow the trail declining all the way to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is an important hub for Mustang and Upper Mustang Treks with the airstrip, abundance of tea houses and services.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara [25 min flight] – full day excursion in Pokhara
We take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Pokhara is home to thick forest, emerald lakes and a place of remarkable natural beauty. The reflection of the Machhapuchre (Fish-Tail) Himal over the serene Fewa Lake makes this place truly magical. Besides, visiting sacred places and sightseeing around the city in Pokhara could be a good way to spend your day.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara
It takes approximately four to five hours drive to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. We drive along Prithvi Highway which offers scenic hilly zigzag roads through the banks of Trishuli River. The daily activities of the local people can be seen along the road when we pass through many villages and towns.

Day 17: Free day at Kathmandu
You would surely like to see as much of Kathmandu as possible. The world heritage sites inside Kathmandu, if not visited on the second day of the trip can be visited on this day. An early start is practical to visit the temples of Kathmandu. Also, walking around the shopping area of Thamel is worth spending quality time at Kathmandu. We will have a final meal together in the evening.

Day 18: International departure
Finally, back to own home after successfully accomplish Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal. Our representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
  • Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure,
  • and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or
  • boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

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Trip Facts

Trip Duration 18 Day
Destination Nepal
Trip Grade Moderate - B
Transportation Private Vehicle
Accomodation Hotel + Lodges + Tent
Starting Price US$
Trip Type Tea House Trek
Meals Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Max. Altitude 5,120 Meter
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